By Spy Uganda
Pius Bigirimana, the Secretary to the Judiciary, has called on members of the public to claim billions of shillings in uncollected bail payments currently held in court accounts.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, Bigirimana revealed that more than Shs54 billion in bail deposits and security for costs remains unclaimed in Judiciary accounts. The committee was scrutinising the Auditor General’s Report for the 2024/2025 financial year.
According to Bigirimana, Shs24 billion of the total amount represents bail money that is ready for refund but has not been claimed because individuals have not initiated the recovery process.
“We are sensitising the population and we are saying that if you come, we will give you your money,” Bigirimana said. “We are even considering publishing names of bail claimants in newspapers or putting announcements on radio saying, Hon. Basalirwa, come and pick your money.”
He added that the Judiciary has established a special committee to expedite the refund process and address delays that have left the funds idle.
Members of Parliament, however, expressed concern that many Ugandans—especially those in remote areas—are unaware of the procedures for claiming bail refunds or are discouraged by bureaucratic requirements.
Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, MP for Elgon County, criticised what he described as rigid procedures, citing his own experience in attempting to recover Shs3 million in bail deposits.
Mudimi said he was required to present the original receipt to process the refund, a requirement he believes deters many claimants.
“For people coming from remote constituencies, it does not make sense for one to use transport of Shs40,000 to claim the bail of Shs100,000,” he said, noting that the cost of travel and documentation often outweighs the refund itself.
The Deputy Chairperson of the committee, Gorreth Namugga, faulted the Judiciary for failing to proactively inform the public about the availability of bail refunds. She argued that little effort had been made to reach out to potential claimants.
Namugga also criticised the Judiciary for failing to utilise Shs13.89 billion allocated for recruitment and salary enhancements in the same financial year.
“You want 50 drivers but cannot recruit them, don’t you think that you are putting Judiciary staff at risk?” she asked, adding that positions such as records officers are not highly technical and should have been filled with ease.
Herbert Tayebwa, MP for Kashongi County, attributed the unspent wage funds to poor planning. He argued that requests for recruitment funds should be supported by clear implementation plans before parliamentary approval.
“You must have had a recruitment plan before this money was approved. It means other agencies were denied an opportunity to recruit staff,” Tayebwa said.
Bigirimana clarified that the remaining Shs30 billion of the Shs54 billion comprises security for costs deposited before cases or appeals are heard. He explained that these funds can only be released upon court orders, a process that often takes time depending on the progression of cases.
Despite the challenges, Bigirimana maintained that the Judiciary is committed to ensuring that all eligible claimants receive their money, urging the public to come forward and begin the refund process.
The revelations have reignited debate in Parliament over accountability, public awareness, and efficiency in managing court funds, as lawmakers push for reforms to make justice not only accessible, but also financially fair to citizens.
